Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland has recently provided a letter in response to the Queensland Parliament’s State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee regarding the Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026. The Bill proposes a requirement that if it occurs in the future that the community be given 28 days’ notice before any increase in public transport fares.
In our response, COTA Queensland highlighted the critical role that affordable and accessible public transport plays in supporting older Queenslanders to remain connected, access services, and age well in their communities.
We emphasised that if any future fare changes occur, these should be supported by meaningful community consultation and clear, accessible communication so that people, particularly people living on fixed or limited incomes, have sufficient time and information to understand potential impacts of any fare changes.
Our response also noted the benefits many Queenslanders have experienced from recent affordable fare initiatives, including increased public transport use and cost-of-living relief for people who rely on these services. We recommended that consultation on fare changes should involve adequate timeframes, opportunities for both online and in-person engagement, and communication in accessible formats to ensure older people, people living with disability, and regional communities can participate effectively.
COTA Queensland will continue to advocate for transport affordability and accessibility for older Queenslanders, and we look forward to reading the Committee’s recommendation in the coming months.
Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026
Submissions on the Transport Affordability Amendment Bill are currently open. You can read more here